President Republic of Benin, Mr Boni Yayi addressing the Villa press corps as President Muhammadu Buhari looks on

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged that Nigeria will assist the Republic of Benin in conducting free and fair general elections in 2016.

The President made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday at a joint news conference with his Beninoise counterpart, Boni Yayi, after a closed door meeting at the Presidential Villa.

He congratulated Yayi, who will be completing his second five-year tenure as President of Benin Republic in February 2016.

“He (President Boni Yayi) is going to round up his two terms of five years. He will be 10-year old in February as a President. I congratulate him

President Muhammadu Buhari and visiting President Republic of Benin, Mr Boni Yayi

“Certainly, Nigeria, using its experience of holding elections, will make sure that the election in our neigbouring country has gone on smoothly and as humanly possible.’’

President Buhari stated that Nigeria and Benin Republic have agreed to put in place fresh strategies to check oil theft in the Gulf of Guinea.

The President also promised to expedite action on the request by Benin Republic to link its power turbine with the West Africa Gas Pipeline.

On the forthcoming 40th anniversary of ECOWAS, Buhari assured that Nigeria will host the event in the next nine days.

The closed door meeting between the two leaders dwelt on economic integration, regional cooperation, and security within the West African sub-region.

The two presidents agreed to intensify the on-going efforts to tackle the menace of Boko Haram insurgency under the auspices of the Multi-National Joint Task Force.

In his remarks, President Yayi said that his country was ready to contribute 800 men to the multi-national force.

President Muhammadu Buhari receiving President Boni Yayi

He said the men were ready and were only awaiting deployment.

Yayi, who spoke through an interpreter, said his country would always support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

While applauding the leadership style of Buhari, Yayi pledged to always cooperate with Nigeria.

“President Buhari took over the mantle of government at a time terrorism, occasioned by the activities of Boko Haram, is high. To fight terrorism, Benin is ready to send about 800 men to join the men that are already prepared to fight terrorism. The team is battle-ready for deployment.

“The will-power is there and Benin is committed to deploying the men. Benin will always remain on the side of Nigeria in its trying times.